ANTTI NIEMI feels Saints go into their final day decider against Manchester United on the back of their best defensive performance for a long time.

Although Saints conceded two poor goals at Selhurst Park, overall chances were at a premium.

And the Finnish international keeper didn't have much to do - even though he has now conceded 16 goals in his last six Premiership games.

It was a stern test for the leaky Saints defence up against 20-goal Andy Johnson and the pace of Wayne Routledge, but they looked far more solid - apart from some poor defending for Palace's second.

Niemi feels the defence can take confidence from their Selhurst Park performance against Manchester United - a game he feels Saints can win.

He said: "The second goal was a pity because defensively that was one of our best games for a long, long time.

"We didn't give too many chances away and defended really well overall.

"I have to believe we can do it.

"We are playing a home game and if the fans are the same as against Norwich I couldn't see any reason we couldn't get a result against Man United.

"We know it's a tough task.

"We know they have a cup final the following week but whoever they play are quality players."

Saints take on United knowing they will probably have to win in order to be in with a chance of survival.

Niemi added: "We knew it was going to be tight, but who would have guessed it would be this tight?

"You never know, though, because funny things happen on the last day of the season."

Reflecting on the drama at Palace, Niemi said: "Both teams would have liked to win because a draw is not necessarily the best result for either of us.

"But after next weekend we'll know how valuable the point was.

"We were slightly disappointed that we didn't win because it was a vital game.

"But it was important not to lose and a draw was a fair result."

Saints will have to face United without top scorer Peter Crouch.

Niemi added: "That's a big blow. In my eyes he's been the best player of the season.

"He's the last player you want to lose because you can play the ball to him, he'll win headers and score goals for you.

"We've got some quality strikers here as well, though, so we'll manage without him.

"We'll have to play some football because we have small guys up front rather than Crouchy, who always gives us that option if things aren't going so well."